# Zepbound® (tirzepatide) Important Safety Information

> Zepbound® tirzepatide is a prescription injectable medicine GIPGLP1 dual receptor agonist used in combination with a reducedcalorie diet and increased ph

Source: https://support.curology.com/en_us/zepbound-tirzepatide-important-safety-information-B1rZ27NEMl

Last updated: 2026-07-16T20:27:01.306Z

Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medicine (GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist) used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbid condition reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term, and to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.

_This Important Safety Information is a summary. It does not replace the full Prescribing Information or the counseling provided by your Curology provider._

  

# **⚠️ BOXED WARNING**

**Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors**

In animal studies, tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known if Zepbound® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including a type called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.

**Do not use Zepbound® if you or any of your family members have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).**

Tell your provider right away if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath — these may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.

For more on warnings and precautions, see the Zepbound® package insert: **[https://pi.lilly.com/us/zepbound-uspi.pdf](https://pi.lilly.com/us/zepbound-uspi.pdf)** 

  

# **What Zepbound® Is Used For**

Zepbound® is FDA-approved for:

*   Reducing excess body weight and maintaining weight reduction long-term in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or adults who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
    
*   Treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
    

**Important:** Zepbound® is not for treating type 2 diabetes. It should not be used with other tirzepatide products (e.g., Mounjaro®) or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicine. 

  

# **Who Should Not Use Zepbound®**

Do not use Zepbound® if you:

*   Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
    
*   Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
    
*   Have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any ingredient in Zepbound®
    

# **Important Risks to Know**

  

**Stomach and Digestive Problems**

Zepbound® can cause stomach problems, sometimes severe. Tell your provider right away if you have severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. This may be a sign of pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas).

**Kidney Problems**

Zepbound® can cause dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which may affect kidney function. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your provider if you notice changes in how much you urinate.

**Gallbladder Problems**

Gallbladder problems, including gallstones, have been reported. Tell your provider if you develop upper abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

**Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)**

If you take Zepbound® with insulin or a sulfonylurea (a type of diabetes medicine), your risk of low blood sugar is higher. Symptoms include dizziness, shakiness, confusion, or sweating.

**Allergic Reactions**

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and severe swelling (angioedema), have been reported. Stop using Zepbound® and get emergency help right away if you experience swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a fast heartbeat.

**Vision Changes**

Tell your provider if you have changes in vision during treatment, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or a history of diabetic retinopathy.

**Muscle and Bone Loss**

Weight loss may include loss of lean mass. Ask your provider about nutrition and resistance exercises that may be appropriate for you.

**Low Blood Pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)**

Some patients experience dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly. If you feel faint or actually faint, stop taking Zepbound® and seek emergency care.

**Before Surgery or Procedures**

Zepbound® may slow stomach emptying and has been associated with pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia/deep sedation. Tell all health care providers before planned surgery/procedures; your anesthesia team will decide whether any changes are needed.

**Do Not Share Your Medications**

Never share your Zepbound® pen, KwikPen, or vial with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing can spread serious infections. Discard any unused medication.

  

# **Common Side Effects**

The most common side effects of Zepbound® (reported in 5% or more of patients) are:

*   Nausea
    
*   Diarrhea
    
*   Vomiting
    
*   Constipation 
    
*   Stomach (abdominal) pain
    
*   Indigestion (dyspepsia)
    
*   Injection site reactions
    
*   Tiredness (fatigue)
    
*   Allergic reactions
    
*   Belching (eructation)
    
*   Hair loss (alopecia)
    
*   Heartburn / gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    

These are not all the possible side effects of Zepbound®. Tell your Curology provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

  

# **Medications That May Interact with Zepbound® Include But Are Not Limited To:**

  

**Insulin and Diabetes Medicines**

Taking Zepbound® with insulin or certain diabetes medicines (sulfonylureas) can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your provider may adjust your dose.

**Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)**

Zepbound® may make oral birth control pills less effective. When starting Zepbound® or increasing your dose, switch to a non-oral form of contraception (such as a patch, implant, or injection) or use an additional barrier method (such as a condom) for 4 weeks.

**Narrow Therapeutic Index (NTI) Medications**

Zepbound® slows how quickly food and other medicines move through your stomach, which can affect how quickly oral medications are absorbed. This is especially important for medications that require a precise level in your bloodstream to work safely. These include:

*   Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
    
*   Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
    
*   Immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine)
    
*   Certain psychiatric medications (e.g., lithium)
    

Tell your provider about all medicines you take, especially any that require regular blood level monitoring.

  

# **Special Circumstances**

**Pregnancy**

Zepbound® may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Zepbound®, stop using it right away and call your provider. Do not use Zepbound® if you are trying to become pregnant. When pregnancy is recognized, discontinue Zepbound®.

**Breastfeeding**

Zepbound® may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Zepbound. 

**Females of Reproductive Potential**

Use a reliable form of birth control while using this medication if sexually active. If you use oral hormonal birth control, switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting Zepbound® and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

**Children**

Zepbound® is not approved for use in people under 18 years of age.

  

# **How Zepbound® Is Used**

Zepbound® is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week, at any time of day, with or without food. It can be injected in the stomach, thigh, or back of upper arm. Rotate your injection site with each dose.

**Important Administration Notes**

*   Inspect the solution before use. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
    
*   Single-dose vials are for one use only. Discard after use, even if medication remains. Do not reuse or microdose from single-dose vials, as they do not contain a preservative.
    
*   Do not mix Zepbound® with insulin or any other injectable medication.
    

# **How to Report a Side Effect**

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

**Method**

**Contact**

FDA Online

[www.fda.gov/medwatch](http://www.fda.gov/medwatch)

FDA Phone

1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088)

Eli Lilly

1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979)

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

Curology Provider

[Message your provider](https://app.curology.com/dashboard/messages)

  

_This Important Safety Information is a summary only and does not include all risks, warnings, precautions, or instructions for use. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for the full Prescribing Information or the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. For the complete Prescribing Information, visit_ [_https://uspl.lilly.com/zepbound/zepbound.html#pi_](https://uspl.lilly.com/zepbound/zepbound.html#pi)_. Zepbound® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company._